Plate 1881

This striking plate, crafted by Minton, presents a deep cobalt blue surface adorned with golden foliage and stylized floral motifs. The cherry blossom, rendered in pastel hues within geometric reserves, immediately catches the eye. These blossoms, emblems of spring and renewal in East Asian cultures, carry a weight far beyond mere decoration. Consider the cherry blossom's journey: revered in ancient Chinese art, adopted and refined by the Japanese, and then reinterpreted here. The blossoms, symbols of transience and beauty, evoke powerful emotions, reminding us of life’s ephemeral nature. From ancient scrolls to modern-day designs, their presence invites reflection on mortality and rebirth. This plate is a testament to how symbols, charged with emotional resonance, traverse epochs.